Shortcuts in Mario Kart are as much a staple of the franchise as the plethora of items used during races and in the new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, each track has plenty of them.
These shortcuts and what players call corner-cuts can help racers make up ground on the leaders or put more distance between you and your opponents behind you. However, these tricks are not necessarily easy to find and if you do find them you’ll need to be careful of ledges and possible off-road hijinks.
Before we go into some of the basics of using shortcuts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, check out GameXplain’s great compilation video on where each shortcut and corner-cut on each track are.
SHORTCUTS vs CORNER-CUTS
Shortcuts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are just that, “secret” areas on a track that racers can find to put them further up on the track than they would following the given path. Corner-Cuts are turns on a track that racers can drive straight through instead of taking turns to stay on the path.
Both can be crucial to winning in every Grand Prix ( especially in 200cc ) as they can help players catch up to the leaders or put more distance between them. There are more Corner-Cuts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe than there are shortcuts, but the shortcuts are more of a game-changer.
Shortcuts in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be risky. If you don’t have enough speed or if you don’t hit a ramp or fall off the ledge, which is normally easier going for a shortcut, then you’ll pay for it. Practice makes perfect and if you can analyze the situation and weigh the risks you’ll be a better racer.
You should be able to recognize and take advantage of both to consistently be in the top three in races and get the fastest times in Time Trials. However, there is a certain item that you’ll need to get through corner-cuts and sometimes make it across shortcuts.
MUSHROOMS ARE YOUR FRIEND
Mushrooms in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe give racers a temporary speed boost. While they are a great all-around item, they are essential to cutting corners and crossing certain shortcuts.
When you cut corners, you’ll notice you’ve gone off-track, which means the surface will slow your kart down. If you use a Mushroom while cutting, you won’t be affected, allowing you to shave some precious seconds off your lap time.
As for shortcuts, some of these are off-track too, so they can slow you down and a lot of the time you’ll need that extra speed to make a crucial jump. If you don’t, you’ll fall off the track. When you get a Mushroom item, be sure to save it for just the right moment.
MASTERS OF THE SKY
Some tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will launch your kart into the air and the kart’s glider will activate, allowing you to soar across the sky. Some of these areas will allow for karts to access a different track, which acts as a shortcut.
Most of the time, your kart will have to glide onto a higher track to get to the shortcut. To do this, when you are gliding you need to hold the direction button down to gain the air needed to slow down your descent and reach higher ground.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch is available now.
What is your favorite shortcut in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ? Any other tips for finding these shortcuts? Let us know in the comments section below.
